How to Prevent Cancer or Find it Early

You can lower your risk of getting many common kinds of cancer by making healthy choices. Screening tests can find some cancers early, when treatment works best. Vaccines (shots) can help prevent several kinds of cancer. Learn more about how to lower your risk of getting cancer.

A doctor providing results to her patient.

Screening Tests

Getting screening tests regularly may find breast, cervical, and colorectal (colon) cancers early, when treatment is likely to work best. Lung cancer screening is recommended for some people who are at high risk.

A parent and child with a health care professional, who is giving the child a vaccine.

Vaccines

Vaccines (shots) also help lower cancer risk. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent most cervical cancers and several other kinds of cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine can help lower liver cancer risk.

A family buying groceries

Healthy Choices

You can reduce your risk of getting cancer by making healthy choices like keeping a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and protecting your skin.

Questions about cancer? The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provides clear and accurate answers to your questions about cancer and clinical trials free of charge in English and Spanish.

The National Cancer Institute Cancer Information Service